Pakistan beat South Africa by three runs in 1st T20I

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan smashed a maiden T20 century with seven sixes as Pakistan beat South Africa by three runs in the first Twenty20 international on Thursday.

Rizwan’s unbeaten 104 off 64 balls anchored the home team to 169-6 after Heinrich Klaasen won the toss and elected to field. In the process, Rizwan became only the second Pakistani to score a hundred in all three formats.

Pakistan wins:

An inexperienced South Africa, without its frontline T20 regulars including skipper Quinton de Kock, put up a hard fight with Reeza Hendricks making 54 and Janneman Malan making 44 off 29 balls before being restricted at 166-6.

“Credit goes to the spinners, especially Usman Qadir, who picked up two quick wickets,” Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said.

Rizwan, who also hit six fours, lofted Andile Phehlukwayo (2-33) for his seventh six over midwicket to complete the hundred in the last over.

The seven sixes was also a Pakistan record in a Twenty20 international. Surpassing Mohammad Hafeez and Shehzad’s six sixes in an innings.

Malan provided a brisk start by smashing fast bowler Haris Rauf for four boundaries in an over. But Pakistan struck through Qadir and Rauf returned to pick up 2-44.

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The second and third games will be played at the same venue over the weekend.

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